THE family of a woman killed in her home have been overwhelmed by tributes to her.

Jillian Howell, 46, was stabbed to death at her home in Sandgate Road, in the Fiveways area of Brighton, last Wednesday night.

David Browning, 51, of Willow Drive, Seaford, who worked for Jill in the payroll department of the University of Brighton, has been charged with her murder.

Friends, co-workers and fellow Brighton and Hove Albion fans have paid their respects in their droves to Jillian, known as Jill.

Her sister Jo said: “We have been overwhelmed by the many tributes and messages of love and support that we’ve received and read in the press or on social media from the many people who knew Jill.

“Stories from the people whose lives she touched are testament to what an amazing sister, aunt and friend she was.”

On Sunday, Albion fans who site near Jill’s seat in the North Stand at the Amex, placed a rose and a scarf on the empty seat.

Jo added: “We were also touched by the tribute on Jill’s seat at the Amex stadium on Sunday at the game against Southampton and for the support we are receiving from the club.

“These acts of kindness are keeping our spirits up at this incredibly sad and difficult time.”

Jill’s family have also set up a fundraising page to raise money for the Samaritans. Jill volunteered for the charity for many years.

She was a former employee of Palmer and Harvey, a wholesaler based in Davigdor Road, Hove, where she worked as a payroll and pension manager until 2015. She then joined the university.

Jillian was born and raised in Brighton, attended Margaret Hardy School for Girls, which is now Patcham High School.

She previously worked at Cats Protection in Chelwood Gate and Nannytax in Queen’s Road, Brighton.

Friends and relatives have described Jillian’s beautiful smile and kind nature.

Robert Jeeves, an old neighbour, described Jill as “such a lovely person” while Jacqueline McDonald called her a “charming lady, intelligent and extremely sweet”.

She added: “She had a bright and lovely face, always smiling.”

Friend Joe Binns said she was “such a gentle and caring person, who always saw the best in people and put them before herself.”

Jack Beck, who sat next to her at The Amex, said: “We were season ticket neighbours for four years and we would cheer and celebrate goals together as well as all the guys around us.

“It was very upsetting all around us but when we scored the equaliser we all tapped her seat and said that goal was for you Jillian.”

To make a donation in Jill’s memory should visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/jillhowell